China: Through the Looking Glass

Discover the captivating allure of Chinese culture with the China: Through the Looking Glass Book. Immerse yourself in a world of evocative and complex fashion inspired by centuries of Chinese export arts. From luxurious jade and delicate silks to exquisite porcelains and mesmerizing cinema, Western fantasies of the exotic East come to life.

Featuring designs by legendary fashion icons such as Giorgio Armani, Christian Dior, Jean Paul Gaultier, Karl Lagerfeld, Ralph Lauren, Alexander McQueen, and Yves Saint Laurent, this stunning publication accompanies one of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's most successful exhibitions. Prepare to be mesmerized by the influence of Chinese aesthetics on these trailblazing designers.

This book takes you on a journey through the centuries, drawing inspiration from Chinese decorative arts, cinematic masterpieces, and iconic costume pieces like the imperial court robes, the close-fitting cheongsam, and the unisex Mao suit. Witness how these talented designers transform historical motifs into ingeniously original fashions that exist solely in their brilliant imaginations.

Just like in the game of "telephone," where messages evolve and morph, the process of cultural translation breathes life into the exquisite designs showcased in this book. It's a vibrant dialogue between East and West, past and present, as contemporary Chinese film directors also pay homage to China's rich history through fanciful and stylized evocations.

Join us on an enchanting visual journey that juxtaposes modern fashion creations with their traditional counterparts in fine and decorative arts. Explore the ongoing creative conversations between East and West, and unleash your own creativity with the China: Through the Looking Glass Book.

To embark on this extraordinary journey of fashion and culture, click here.